‘I didn’t want it to be a retirement package.’

Said the 27-year-old.

‘I’ve always wanted to play overseas and wanted to do it while I was young enough to make a worthwhile contribution…I’m 27 and my body is in good shape. I’m still enjoying my football and wanted to try something different; perhaps prove myself again on a different stage.’

And the Auckland captain who received offers from numerous French clubs and Celtic partners Glasgow has told how Dai Young clinched the deal,

‘They [Cardiff] were the most professional club I dealt with. They’ve been fantastic. I had a couple of offers from French clubs, but they were a nightmare to deal with. Cardiff were great all the way.’

However he did reveal that that he knew very little about the players,

‘I didn’t really have a clue about any of the players, but I’ve been keeping my eye on the ones over here with the Lions, I’ve been impressed. I guess I’ll be seeing them up close when Auckland play the Lions a week Tuesday.’

The Blues will get Xavier in November after the NPC finishes, but he says he can’t wait to show what he can do,

‘I’m really excited about playing for them. I’ve seen a bit of the Heineken Cup and I’d love to play in that and it’s great news that the Celtic League is back on.’

The Blues have 2 very influential men to thank for Rush’s final decision, one being Graham Henry,

‘I sat down with Graham and we had a really positive chat.’

Henry has praised the Blues scoop saying,

‘He is a big signing for Cardiff and they have done well getting him. He is a good person and will give his guts for the cause. He has been immense and an outstanding leader for Auckland.’

The other man to thank is world-renowned legend Gareth Edwards. Rush admitted that he played a massive part in proving that Cardiff was the place Xavier Rush should play rugby.

‘They [Bob Norster, Dai Young and Gareth Edwards] even came to South Africa to see me play, and when someone like Gareth Edwards asks you to join their club, well, that was that!’

Blues fans can catch an early glimpse of the new boy on Sky Sports 1 a week Tuesday (5^th July) when the Lions take on the Auckland Blues, Rush captaining the side. Following that, Sky have regular coverage of the NPC in which the 8 times capped New Zealander will play a big part before his eventual transfer in November.